[AP]
The Greek National Opera is looking forward to its New York debut, as its orchestra is slated to perform a concert dedicated to works inspired by writer Nikos Kazantzakis at Carnegie Hall.
The concert, titled “Nikos Kazantzakis: An Odyssey in Music,” is scheduled for October 15 and will feature music by prominent Greek composers including Manos Hadjidakis, Mikis Theodorakis, Nikos Skalkottas, Dimitris Mitropoulos and George Koumentakis.
The program will be conducted by Greek maestro Vassilis Christopoulos, music director of the Graz Opera in Austria. Performers include internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili and Greek soprano Maria Kostraki.
The concert explores the influence of Kazantzakis – one of the most widely translated Greek authors worldwide – whose novels “Zorba the Greek,” “Captain Michalis” and “The Last Temptation,” among others, have inspired composers working across symphonic music, opera, ballet and film.
Among the works featured are music from Hadjidakis’ theatrical adaptation of “Captain Michalis,” Theodorakis’ score for the film “Zorba the Greek,” and Koumentakis’ symphonic piece “Amor Fati,” which will receive its US premiere.
Ticket sales are expected to begin in May through Carnegie Hall.
